Full List of Fruits Mamey Sapote
Introduction of Mamey SapoteAbout FruitNutritional Value of Mamey SapoteUses of Mamey SapoteHealth benefits of Mamey SapotePropagation
Mamey Sapote
Scientific name - Pouteria sapota
Mamey Sapote's scientific name being Pouteria sapota is a species of tree indigenous to Central America. Having its natural ranging from southern Mexico to southern Costa Rica, it is cultivated mainly for the fruit it bears out, they are an ornamental and evergreen tree which can reach a height of 15 to 45 meters (60 to 140 feet) at maturity. At present, the tree is not only found in Mexico, but also in Central America, the Caribbean and South Florida for its fruit. Having said that, they are most commonly used in many Latin American countries!
With a flesh ranging from pink to orange in color, the fruit is just about 10 to 25 cm (4 to 10 inches) long and 8 to 12 cm (3 to 5 inches) wide. With a creamy and soft texture, the flesh of the fruit gives out the taste of a ripe kiwifruit. As you remove the fleck of the skin, you will be able to find the Sapote to have a pink flesh. The brown skin of the fruit has a texture between sandpaper and the fuzz on a peach to some extent.
Nutritional Value of Mamey Sapote
| Energy | 520 kJ (120 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 32.1 g |
| Sugars | 20.14 g |
| Dietary fiber | 5.4 g |
| Fat | 0.46 g |
| Protein | 1.45 g |
| Vitamins | |
| Thiamine (B1) | (1%) 0.013 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | (10%) 0.116 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | (10%) 1.432 mg |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | (8%) 0.397 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | (55%) 0.72 mg |
| Folate (B9) | (2%) 7 µg |
| Vitamin C | (28%) 23 mg |
| Vitamin E | (14%) 2.11 mg |
| Trace metals | |
| Calcium | (2%) 18 mg |
| Iron | (6%) 0.78 mg |
| Magnesium | (3%) 11 mg |
| Manganese | (10%) 0.204 mg |
| Phosphorus | (4%) 26 mg |
| Potassium | (10%) 454 mg |
| Sodium | (0%) 7 mg |
| Zinc | (2%) 0.19 mg |
The fruit can either be consumed raw or made into smoothies, milkshakes, and ice cream. They are used in making fruit bars. Furthermore, they are also used to produce jelly and marmalades. Some consider the fruit as an aphrodisiac means induces sexual desire. Oil extracted from the seed of the fruit is used in some beauty products and it is known as Sapayul oil.
Health benefits of Mamey Sapote
Loaded with so many nutrients, it is a heart-healthy food. The soluble fiber content present in the fruit promotes healthy cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and it helps maintain firm blood vessels and capillaries. Some of the other health benefits include: increased immune function, reduced risk of colon cancer and hypertension alleviation. Furthermore, it helps prevent plaque buildup.
It is quite difficult to propagate M. Sapote vegetatively. Grafted trees should not be allowed to develop into root-bound seeing that this may lead to poor or slow establishment after planting.
